The purpose of the workshop was to train the representatives of the local NGOs, Institutions and CBOs to address the needs of the coastal communities in a better manner. During the session the participants learned proposal writing. The training was conducted by a renowned biologist and agriculturist Dr. Ranjith Mahindapala from Sri Lanka.

Around thirty five participants were selected from amongst the Organisations, Institutions and CBOs. Nine of the participants were representatives of the shortlisted organisations for the MFF’s medium-sized grant projects. In this session these representatives shared their proposals that were fine-tuned according to the MFF guidelines under the guidance of Dr. Mahindapala. Around 34 projects were long-listed and were further vetted down to 9 after an extensive review process. The medium-sized project funding is from US$50,000 to US$100,000 and these projects will be implemented within a span of two years. An MFF Programme Sub-committee is formed of the National Coordinating Body Members that oversees the selection process which is headed by the representative of the Ministry of Climate Change.

The National Coordination Body (NCB) is headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and formed of representatives of the federal government, provincial governments of Sindh and Balochsitan, government departments, donors and NGOs including: Sindh Forest & Wildlife Department, Sindh Coastal Development Authority, National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan Navy, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority, Balochistan Fisheries Department, Shehri and IUCN Pakistan.

In the inaugural speech Mr. Abdul Munaf Qaimkhani, Deputy Inspector General Forest said that proposal development is an art which should be learned from the experts. He hoped that all the participants will get full benefit of the presence of Dr. Mahindapala a renowned biologist in the country.

In the introductory speech Mr. Ghulam Qadir Shah said that currently MFF is in the process of implementing Small and Medium-sized Grants programmes in the country. It has completed two cycles of the Small Grants. Now the third cycle for the Small Grants has started along with a medium-sized project grants.

Mr. Shamsul Haq Memon, Adviser Coastal Development Authority appreciated the role of the Mangroves for the Future Programme for sustainable management of coastal resources in Pakistan. He said that the small grants programme of the Mangroves for the Future Programme has opened new opportunities for generating employment and alternative livelihood opportunities for the coastal communities.

In the closing remarks, Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan thanked the participants and commended the role of the National Coordinating Body members for an effective implementation of the MFF Programme in the country. He also hoped that with this training the participants will be able to make meaningful proposals for the conservation of the coasts and the sustainable development of coastal communities.

At the closing of the ceremony certificates were also distributed amongst the members.